sector
[sek-ter]
- Geometry. a plane figure bounded by two radii and the included arc of a circle.
- a mathematical instrument consisting of two flat rulers hinged together at one end and bearing various scales.
- Machinery. a device used in connection with an index plate, consisting of two arms rotating about the center of the plate and set to indicate the angle through which the work is indexed.
- Military. a designated defense area, usually in a combat zone, within which a particular military unit operates and for which it is responsible.
- Astronomy. an instrument shaped like a sector of a circle, having a variable central angle and sights along the two straight sides, for measuring the angular distance between two celestial bodies.
- a distinct part, especially of society or of a nation's economy: the housing sector; the educational sector.
- a section or zone, as of a city.
- Computers. a portion of a larger block of storage, as 1/128 of a track or disk.
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- to divide into sectors.
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Origin of sector
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for sector
Contemporary Examples
There were now five British corps in the British sector, and five American corps in the American sector.
This addition ultimately “reactivated” that sector of the city.
This is a problem where every sector, including governments and NGOs, need to work together on the solutions.
Having finally re-joined the main body of the Ukrainian forces, the beleaguered defenders of Sector D were evacuated.
Ukrainian Troops Retreat From Russian Border, Leaving 100 Kilometers Open to InvasionPierre Vaux
August 12, 2014
The withdrawal from Sector D leaves several other border crossings open.
Ukrainian Troops Retreat From Russian Border, Leaving 100 Kilometers Open to InvasionPierre Vaux
August 12, 2014
Historical Examples
To that sector we will now turn to review the course of events.
With the middle of February a lull set in in this sector of the front.
He was specifically after the Med Service history of all the planets in this sector.
Pariah PlanetMurray Leinster
In two days the French took over 350 prisoners in this sector.
A great number of guns were concentrated by the Germans in this sector.
sector
- a part or subdivision, esp of a society or an economythe private sector
- geometry either portion of a circle included between two radii and an arc. Area: 1/2 r ²θ, where r is the radius and θ is the central angle subtended by the arc (in radians)
- a measuring instrument consisting of two graduated arms hinged at one end
- a part or subdivision of an area of military operations
- computing the smallest addressable portion of the track on a magnetic tape, disk, or drum store
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Word Origin
C16: from Late Latin: sector, from Latin: a cutter, from secāre to cut
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Word Origin and History for sector
n.
1560s, "section of a circle between two radii," from Late Latin sector "section of a circle," in classical Latin "a cutter, one who cuts," from sectus, past participle of secare "to cut" (see section (n.)). Translated Greek tomeus in Latin editions of Archimedes. Meaning "area, division" appeared 1920, generalized from military sense (1916) of "part of a front," based on a circle centered on a headquarters. As a verb from 1884. Related: Sectoral; sectorial.
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
sector
[sĕk′tər]
- The part of a circle bounded by two radii and the arc between them.
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The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.